Summary: Discusses the belief that we can sin because God knows we really do love Him.

Last year during bible study when we were discussing sin and our ability to live a perfect life, Bro. DeWayne recommended that I make this subject a part my series on Satan’s Great Lies. Now let me explain this first, the statement is not a lie, it is absolutely 100% true. God knows our hearts, the Scripture bears this out. However, the reason I am including this in the series is because we lie to ourselves “because” we know Gods know us. It is sort of like thinking I will not be punished and receive a ticket for speeding if I truly in my heart did not want to speed. I remember talking to someone after I forgot to do something and I asked the person to count it to my head and not my heart. What I was saying to the person was that what I did was not done intentionally, or from my heart, but as a result of my mind and how it works. If my mind forget some things, that is normal. However, if I choose not to do something from my heart, then the results and impact is different. Now here is the true danger, if we continue sinning because in our heart we believe that it is not what we really want to do, the God will “let the sin go”. Some people believe this even though Hebrews 10:26-27 says “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.” NAS. There is a consequence for sin and we must accept that when we choose to sin. We will look at this more closely later, but I want you to gain an understanding of the heart – as used in Scripture. The scriptural definition of heart is not the physical organ that beats and sends blood throughout our bodies, but the center of the human spirit, from which springs our emotions, thoughts, motivations, courage and action. In other words, it is what makes us who we are and different from everyone else. The heart is our core and is what we must choose to turn over to God. The Bible speaks of the heart being glad (merry), heavy, experiencing pleasure and the source of depression and grief. It is also the center of courage and faith.

The heart’s role as the center of our emotions is important, but its role as the center of will and purpose, intention and decision making is even more significant. Some belive that there are times when we cannot control our emotions, they just are. But everyone agrees that we can control our will (or should be able to) and our purposes. Will and purpose originates in the heart. When the scripture speaks of the “heart’s desire” it is often referring to determination. Idolatry starts in the heart. Luke says in Luke 12:34 that “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In other words, the things you hold near and dear will also be the things your heart clings to. Likewise reluctance or indecision can be seen in the scriptural expressions “slow of heart to believe”. Persistence in a decided course of action even against sound advice is stated as stubbornness of heart.